What's eating my beautiful feather grass?

Beautiful feather grass (Stipa pulcherrima) shares the tough, dry-adapted constitution of its relatives and rarely suffers serious pest problems. Aphids may appear on spring growth, and leafhoppers can cause pale stippling in summer. Deer and rabbits largely leave it alone. Good drainage and sun prevent the damp conditions that encourage most pest activity.

Colonies on soft new growth in spring; honeydew and possible sooty mold on foliage below feeding sites Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap spray; encourage natural predators in the garden

Pale silvery-white stippling or bleached streaks across leaf blades; leaves look dull; small insects jump when disturbed In most cases tolerate — damage is cosmetic; reduce dense plantings to improve air flow; pyrethrin spray for severe pressure